A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER FOR MULTICULTURAL INTERESTS AND CITIZENSHIP

It is a great privilege to be Minister for Multicultural Interests and Citizenship and to continue the State Government's work in building a diverse and inclusive community.

Western Australia is one of the most successful migrant societies in the world.

People from more than 200 ethnicities, faiths and cultural backgrounds now share this wonderful place with the Aboriginal people of Australia.

One in two Western Australians was born overseas or has a parent born overseas.

Some of the challenges we face in remaining an inclusive multicultural society include:

  • to welcome, to settle, to grow new society members
  • understanding racism and working to overcome it through awareness and engagement.
The Carpenter Government works towards an inclusive Western Australia where all individuals and groups are able to participate equitably and in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding, enriching and developing our society for the benefit of all.

The State Government is very aware of the sustained effort required to ensure full participation in our society by newly arrived migrants and refugees: this has been the experience and an ongoing challenge since the colonisation of Australia.  We are also very aware of the continuing need to address structural and attitudinal barriers, which can hinder the achievement of substantive equality.

I look forward to working with all communities to progress a range of initiatives that aim to address issues of marginalisation.  These issues affect West Australians from all walks of life, but particularly at this time from some religious and ethnic minorities, including our new and emerging communities. 

As you may be aware, the State Government recently allocated $443,000 to address the needs of humanitarian entrants through the establishment of integrated service centres in the north and south metropolitan areas that will ensure the improved delivery of necessary specialist services.

A number of Government agencies will be working collaboratively to see the successful implementation of this program, with a view to putting in place a longer-term program that effectively addresses the needs of some of the most vulnerable in our community.

The Carpenter Government continues to advance the twin goals of inclusion and diversity through the Office of Multicultural Interests.

As a passionate advocate of multiculturalism, I look forward to working with you all through strong and sustainable partnerships, to grow and enjoy the cultural diversity that exists in Western Australia.

Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich MLC
MINISTER FOR MULTICULTURAL INTERESTS AND CITIZENSHIP